ChemistryClass 10ICSE
Q
Write the chemical formula of ammonium chloride. Explain why an aqueous solution of ammonium chloride is acidic in nature? Illustrate your answer with the help of a chemical equation.
A
The chemical formula of ammonium chloride is NH4Cl.
It is formed from a weak base, ammonium hydroxide and a strong acid. Ammonium chloride when dissolved in water it hydrolyses to form ammonium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid
NH4Cl + H2O → NH4OH + HCl
The formed hydrochloric acid is strong acid and it ionizes to give H+ ions whereas ammonium hydroxide is weak base and give small amount of OH- ions on dissociation.